RFP for Communication and Positioning Services - Washington, DC

RFP for Communication and Positioning Services

Section A: Request for Proposals (RFP) Overview

RFP No: 2024-IYC25-001

RFP Title: COMMUNICATION AND POSITIONING SERVICES

Issuance Date: 13 December 2024

Closing/Submission Date and Time: 27 December 2024; 5:00PM EST

Language of Applications: The technical and cost applications must be in English.

Estimated Period of Performance: 1 January 2025 – 1 July 2025.

Award: A Fixed Price Contract award is anticipated. Issuance of this Request for Proposals does not constitute an award commitment on the part of NCBA CLUSA nor does it commit NCBA CLUSA to pay for costs incurred in the submission of an application.

I. BACKGROUND

The 2025 International Year of Cooperatives (IYC2025) is a global celebration launched by the United Nations to lift up cooperatives as people-centered businesses that build a better world. Under the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World,” the UN is elevating the critical role co-ops play in building the economy, strengthening democracy and creating a sustainable future.

NCBA CLUSA is partnering with the research and design firm Labrador to produce a Co-op Impact Report that will anchor our public awareness and advocacy efforts in 2025, generating meaningful impact and engagement among NCBA CLUSA’s members and stakeholders. This report will also inform and provide new angles for a visibility strategy for cooperatives in 2025.

II. OBJECTIVES

• Develop pitch topics and key issues along with a Q1 2025 messaging matrix that outlines themes, audiences and potential angles, while remaining flexible enough to respond to current events or emerging opportunities.
• Build a list of journalists, editors and producers that align with the messaging matrix to secure visibility and coverage of identified topics/key issues by Tier 1 national media.
• Build a system to regularly identify, assess and pursue existing and emergent opportunities for media visibility.
• Develop, draft and place 4-6 op-eds that advance awareness of and/or advocacy for identified topics/key issues.
• Secure 4-6 print/digital or broadcast interviews that advance awareness of and/or advocacy for identified topics/key issues.
• Identify, assess, recommend and pursue 4-6 opportunities for NCBA CLUSA spokespeople to join media-hosted panels.
• Work with NCBA CLUSA’s social media team to maximize the visibility of media engagements secured as part of this contract.
• Provide three media trainings for spokespeople selected by NCBA CLUSA.
• Provide expert counsel and best practices on all aspects of media engagement during the term of this contract.

III. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Proven track record of securing visibility opportunities for associations, nonprofits and similar organizations in both major print and electronic media.
• Familiarity and experience with cooperatives.
• At least three excellent references.

DELIVERABLES AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE

• #1. Messaging matrix with pitch topics and key issues - February 1, 2025
• #2. List of journalists, editors and producers that align with the messaging matrix - February 1, 2025
• #3. Develop, draft and place 4-6 op-eds - July 1, 2025
• #4. Secure 4-6 print/digital or broadcast interviews - July 1, 2025
• #5. Identify, assess, recommend and pursue 4-6 opportunities for NCBA CLUSA spokespeople - July 1, 2025
• #6. Work with NCBA CLUSA’s social media team - July 1, 2025
• #7. Provide three media trainings for spokespeople - July 1, 2025

MAXIMUM VALUE OF CONTRACT: $70,000.

SECTION C: Application and Award Process

• Who can submit applications?
• Universities
• Individuals

See Section E of the RFP for full instructions on the delivery method and contents of the applications. Incomplete applications might not be considered.

• What should we do if we have questions or need assistance to prepare an application?

Submit questions in writing by 20 December 2024 to jmanning@ncba.coop. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.

• Amendments to the RFP

Amendments to the RFP will be issued in writing to all parties who have registered their interest with NCBA CLUSA.

• What is the estimated timeline for submission, notification, award, and implementation?

Applications must be submitted by the due date indicated on the cover page of the RFP. The selection process will take place in December 2024 and Applicants can expect to be notified of decisions on or about 30 December 2024.

• What type of award will be made?

A Fixed Price type Procurement will be made.

• How will applications be evaluated?

Applications will be evaluated by a Selection Committee of experts from NCBA CLUSA.

• What are the minimum eligibility requirements for an application?

The following requirements need to be met in order for an application to be reviewed:

• The application must be submitted by the due date and time
• The application must be complete
• The application must cover all the services required under this RFP

Can a joint venture submit an application, or can a Sub-contract be included in the application?

A joint venture is a legal arrangement where two entities jointly undertake work as equal partners. To be eligible for award, a joint venture must be an entity with legal status.

A sub-contract can be included in the application so long as the work being done by each entity is clearly defined in the application.

• What will be required for the issuance of an award?

NCBA CLUSA may request additional information to clarify or substantiate information provided in the application.

SECTION D: Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated in accordance with the criteria set forth below. To facilitate applications, Applicants must organize the sections of their applications in the same order provided in Section E of this RFP.

• Technical & Cost Evaluation

To be defined for each Contract

A. Technical

· Work Sample 15%

· Technical Approach 20%

· References 15%

B. Cost Breakdowns

· Cost 35%

C. Personal & Management

· Proposed Staffing Expertise 15%

Maximum Score: 100%

SECTION E: Application Outline and Guidance

• Overview

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must use the Application Outline provided in this section.

NCBA CLUSA is not responsible for any costs incurred by the Applicant for preparing, submitting, or revising the application.